Prolific thief jailed after ripping off shopworker's fingernails
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A prolific thief who ripped off a shopworker’s fingernails while trying to get away has been jailed.
Liam Edward Smith also caused severe bruising to the victim in Ali’s store in Bishop Auckland, when he snatched five packets of cigarettes from her on July 30.
The 27-year-old also carried out a string of thefts in other supermarkets in Tindale Crescent and at one point assaulted an off-duty officer after being challenged over stolen razor blades.
Smith was promptly arrested and officers used CCTV to link the offences.
In total he was charged with two counts of robbery, assault, assaulting an emergency worker and six thefts.
Smith, of Esh Winning, was put before Durham Crown Court on Wednesday (September 25) where he pleaded guilty to all offences.
Altogether he was sentenced to four years and four-and-a-half months in prison.
DC Cattin, who led the investigation, said: “This incident was understandably distressing for the victims and just shows how little regard Smith has for people or property. We are glad he has been put behind bars.”